Winona State prevails to 4-1 this spring season after wrapping up victories over the St. Paul Jazz Pigs (Men’s Club) and UW-Stout. WSU had been hard pressed to post a victory against the Pigs who used their knowledge and organization to defeat the college kids. This spring however, Winona proved to be the better side of the day posting a handful of tries and pulling off a 32-22 win.

This past weekend the boys traveled to UW-Stout to test themselves against a Division 1 club. Stout started off with a quick try and applied the pressure early. The Doggs came back and scored 27 unanswered points and were outstanding on defense. Try’s were awarded to Dane (2), Spencer, Cado and Teddy. This capped a great spring season for the Doggs and they will need that momentum as they host their Alumni for the annual match to conclude the season.

Saturday was a great day for rugby out at the S.E. Tech Campus for this year’s Fools Fest Rugby Tournament. Winona came out strong posting wins against UW-River Falls and cross town rivals St. Mary’s University. The final pitted Winona against UW-La Crosse, who earlier in the day posted wins against Division One club Iowa State University and Minnesota State Mankato. It was a hard fought battle with lots of hard hitting. As the match winded down, UW-La Crosse came out victorious.

In the women’s bracket, Winona State Women emerged victorious posting a 5-0 victory over the University of Minnesota in the final match. Fools Fest 2011 saw more action off the field this year as the number of fans and alumni had increased from year’s past. A handful of local photographer’s and even the local news was out and about during the day catching all the action. For the first time in tournament’s history, Rugby Athletic came down to vend the tournament.

Winona State looks ahead to hosting local men’s club, St. Paul Jazz Pigs at home this coming Saturday.

WSU Rugby has enjoyed a non-conventional warm up to their spring season this year by playing some 10 and 7 a side rugby. “Whiskey 10’s in Chicago was a success for the club”, said coach Nicholas Pronold. Although they went 1-2, they played 2 top Midwest playoff teams and hung with them until the end. Trys during the day were led by Brandon Schweitzer, Cameron Barukzoy, Nick Donnelly and Jake Letsinger.

On St. Patrick’s Day, the club took a handful of members and played a small game of rugby sevens during the halftime show of the La Crosse Spartans indoor football game in La Crosse Wisconsin. They played in front of 500 people and got the entire crowd into the game. Nick Donnelly touched down a try early on some good passing and line running. Brandon Schweitzer touched down next after capitalizing on a dropped ball. After some battling back and forth, Nate Litman was able to create some space and touch down the final try to end the match.

“The 7’s was a great exposure for our sport and our team”, said coach Ethan Wanless. In the words of the announcer “rugby is a vicious sport but how many of you here want to play it” as half the crowd raised there hands.

The club will enjoy the next few weekends off as they prepare for this year’s annual Fools Fest tournament held in Winona.

Winona State Men’s Rugby Club is proud to announce it’s annual tournament Fools Fest. This years event will take place Saturday, April 2nd at the Winona Tech College Campus. First kickoff is at 9am. Tournament features 6 Men’s and 6 Women’s rugby clubs from around the Midwest. Rugby Athletic will be on hand this year vending the event with rugby gear and social apparel. Schedule will be posted closer to the tournament date.

Men’s Sides:

Winona State University
University Wisconsin – La Crosse
Minnesota State University – Mankato
University Wisconsin – River Falls
St. Mary’s University (Winona)
Iowa State University

Women’s Sides:

Winona State University
University Minnesota – Duluth
Minnesota State University – Mankato
University Wisconsin – Milwaukee
University Wisconsin – La Crosse
University of Minnesota

Since 2004, the Mike Lundberg Benefit Tournament has provided a fun opportunity to play winter rugby for men and women of all skill levels while donating 100% of the proceeds to help defray the costs of Mikes treatments. Sadly, Mike lost his long battle with Leukemia in June of 2008. At the request of his family, we are continuing the tournament to celebrate his life and will donate the proceeds to a member or members of the Minnesota Rugby Community in need of assistance.

When: Saturday, March 5, 2011 – 10:00am

Where: River Falls, WI Hoffman Park

What: All-Comers Rugby Tournament

Fee: $20 for College Players, $30 for Senior Players

Names are drawn from a hat to to determine the teams. The number of entrants will determine the format. (7s,10s,15s) There will be a post-tourney social with food and beer for all participants. Entry fee includes t-shirt, and food and beverage. MEN AND WOMEN RUGGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

This year’s beneficiary will be a local wheelchair rugby team. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the team to help defray participation costs. Please RSVP to Ben Hanson at LHPROP1@gmail.com or call 651-329-7166 by Friday, February 5th so shirts and food can be purcahsed. Entry fee is to be paid the morning of the tourney.

Winona State Rugby has switched over to a “blog-format” website to make it user friendly and easier to update. Here you can find the schedule, information on this year’s Fools Fest Tournament, Alumni information and all other info related to Winona State Rugby!